My sweet Mama went home to Jesus Saturday, June 10, 2023. She was, as my sister so perfectly said, “sunshine.” She drew people to her effortlessly, and she left an indelible impression on everyone. Mama was loved by all, and I miss her every single day. Stories will come soon enough, but all I have right now is a poem I wrote for her funeral service, those little lessons she taught throughout her much loved life, and Mama did love her life. We should all be so lucky.
Smile though your heart is breaking
Laugh just because
Watch the dancing sunflowers
Whenever life gives you pause
Admire the summer daisies
Celebrate everything
Never be afraid to dance
And remember Elvis is King
Christmas doesn’t have to come
Just one time each year
Put up the tree whenever you want
And feel the holiday cheer
Call a friend for lunch
Or a two-hour chat
Be sure to leave your front door open
And dust off the welcome mat
Share your talents with the world
Whatever they may be
And whenever you hear the piano play
Be sure to think of me
Playing games keeps you young,
When grateful, send notes of thanks
Watch movies of any type,
Especially those with Tom Hanks.
When hanging with your sisters, decide
Who’s Rose, Blanche, or Dorothy
And whether you see, hear, or speak no evil
In the order of the monkeys three
Taking pictures helps you remember
The good times that you had
And it’s okay to look back and laugh
And it’s okay to be sad
Angels walk upon the earth
Just as they do in Heaven
And special days are numbered two,
Twenty-one, twenty-four, and eleven
Friends can be as dear as family
And grandkids totally rock
Fifty-six years can seem to be
A stroll around the block
Be sure to leave a piece of you
In everyone you meet
Never be afraid to bake
Something sugary and sweet
Keep the faith that God’s in charge
Your path from Him is set
He will not let you walk alone
No matter how hard life gets
Be sure to hug those you love
Each and every day
Remember the words “I love you”
For with you they will stay
Do not mourn life’s passing
Red birds ease the pain
For they’re the ones who have gone before
To remind us what we have to gain
And one final bit of advice
As Mama’s Life Lessons conclude:
Never, ever leave the house
Without a lipstick tube.
Simply beautiful and so perfectly describes Nancy. My mind has been going down memory lane through the years of her. The last time I saw her was at our local Chick-fil-A….she came over to our table & shared her being sick & asked if we would keep her in our prayers. David actually prayed for her right there at our table. I’m so thankful we shared those few minutes together. She was definitely sunshine & will always have a place in my heart ❤️